What is it like in Germany?

Question

I am going this summer as a foreign exchange student to Germany from America and I was wondering what it is like. What are the main differences I will need to know b4 I go. Will I be like the center of attention at the school? Also I am very picky, will I offend my host family if I dont eat what they are cooking? Please help ASAP!

Answer 1

If your going there DO NOT wear a star-of-david arm band

Answer 2

I really don't think you need to worry that much.  Contrary to what half of America thinks Western Europe is part of the developed world (!) and I think you'll find Germany to be very similar to the US.  General differences would be:

1. As with most of Europe, the buildings will be a lot older and you'll see a variety of architectural stlyes.

2. Again, as with most of Europe, everything will generally be much smaller and cramped together.  Due to the smaller size of the country the population density is much greater than in the US.

3. Germans tend to be more reserved than Americans in their outward behaviour, so please don't think they're being rude, it's just how they are.  You will, however, find that they (as with most Europeans) are much more liberal in their attitudes than Americans so you may want to be prepared for that.

4. The metric system is used, so it will be kilometers/meters and kilograms/grams, etc.

5. They use the Euro as currency and, no, you won't be able to spend dollars (sorry if that sounds obvious but you wouldn't believe the amount of times I've heard Americans complaining about not being able to use the dollar in Europe).

6. Please don't mention the war.  I've found with my German friends that it isn't something they particularly enjoy talking about and, as I'm sure you'll find out after spending some time in Europe, it really is only the Americans who believe that America won the war.

Will you be the centre of attention?  I doubt it.  Like I said above, America and Germany really aren't that different and nobody is going to think you're particularly special just because you're American.

As for German food, I've always found it to be delicious.  It is a lot more meat based and there is more of an emphasis on cold meats.  If you are worried then I would suggest writing to your host family in advance and saying that because you don't want to offend them you'd rather not eat certain foods and then list them.  Having said that, the whole point of going to another country is to gain new experiences so I would recommend that you at least try their foods.  In particular, try their sweet foods such as chocolate and ice cream - it really is better than anywhere else in the world!